Buddhist temples in Penang
With Wesak Day just around the corner, Ewe Paik Leong visits several Buddhist temples in Penang
1. JINGGANG SHAN TEMPLE, JALAN POKOK CERI, AIR HITAM, PENANG
Sprawled over a hill slope, this temple is located a short distance from the popular Bat Cave Temple. Its attention-grabber are the dozens of golden stupas dotting its forecourt. After passing a granite entrance arch, visitors climb a staircase to the prayer hall where the Standing Buddha is honoured.
Hints of Tibetan-style decor elements are present here. From the hall, a side path leads to a rock garden at the back, where more golden stupas are found. The temple’s reception is housed in a separate building across the road.
2. DHAMMIKARAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE, JALAN BURMA, GEORGE TOWN
Built in 1803, it is the oldest Buddhist temple in Penang and stands on land bought by “Nonia Betong from George Layton for 390 Spanish dollars”, according to a plaque.
In the Sima Shrine Hall, the Standing Buddha has a gold-gilded backdrop of arabesque carvings. The ceiling of the hall also exhibits fine carvings which are lacquered brown.
Outside, at the entrance, stands a pair of chintes (mythical lion-like creature) which act as guardians. Other events held here include Water Festival, Songkran Festival, Buddhist Lent Day (July 28) and MidAutumn Festival Candle Lighting (Sept 24).
3. WAT NAI, JALAN MASJID NEGERI, GEORGETOWN
Though Wat Nai is lesser-known among tourists, its Buddhist Meditation Association has a good following. In the grounds of the temple are two bodhi trees where pavilions have been erected below. One of them has a white statue of Lord Buddha which is made of marble.
There is also a shrine where the deity Phra Phrom, popularly known as FourFaced Buddha, is installed. Another shrine houses images of Lord Buddha in different postures for each day of the week. The temple’s prayer hall contains a statue of the Standing Buddha.
Apart from Wesak Day, the temple celebrates Loy Krathong which is well-attended by members of the Thai community.
4. SAMYE DRODUL LING MONASTERY, JALAN RAJAWALI, GEORGE TOWN
Completed last year, this Tibetan temple comprises a two-storey structure with roof finials that end in dragon carvings. The gate is embellished with motifs of the Buddhist prayer wheel.
A stupa stands inside the compound, which is surrounded by a white wall with painted red columns spaced at equal distances.
The Sitting Buddha is installed inside the prayer hall which has a colourful ceiling from which hanging decorations are suspended. The walls are covered with frescos of hundreds of Buddha images. Dharma classes are conducted regularly.
5. WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM, JALAN BURMA, GEORGE TOWN
Built in 1845 on a two-hectare land donated by Queen Victoria, this temple incorporates a crematorium and columbarium.
A pair of yaksha (guardians) stands at the temple’s main entrance and a pair of multi-headed naga (serpent) runs parallel along its front pathway.
The naga is an important architectural element in Thai Buddhist temples as legend has it that the naga king opened its hood to protect Buddha during a terrible storm.
Inside the temple stands a 46-metre long statue of the Reclining Buddha whose little toe is bigger than a person’s head. Apart from Wesak Day, other festivals celebrated here are Thai New Year and MeritMaking Day.